According to GuruFocus list of 52-week highs; Qualcomm, NTT DoCoMo, Anheuser-Busch Inbev , and FedEx Corporation have all reached their 52-week highs.
Qualcomm, Inc. (QCOM) Reached the 52-Week High of $73.69
Qualcomm Incorporated (Qualcomm) in the state of Delaware, develops designs, manufactures and markets digital wireless telecommunications products and services. Qualcomm, Inc. has a market cap of $124.68 billion; its shares were traded at around $73.80 with a P/E ratio of 18.90 and P/S ratio of 5.20. The dividend yield of Qualcomm, Inc. stocks is 1.76%. Qualcomm, Inc. had an annual average earnings growth of 13.80% over the past 10 years. GuruFocus rated Qualcomm, Inc. the business predictability rank of 5-star.
Qualcomm recently released its fourth quarter 2013 results. For this quarter, revenues were up 33% year-over-year to $6.48 billion. Net income was $1.50 billion, up 18% over the same quarter last year, and operating cash flow was up 79% to $2.52 billion.
Top 5 Japanese Companies To Invest In Right Now: American Heritage International Inc (AHII)
American Heritage International Inc., formerly Cumberland Hills Ltd., incorporated on January 19, 2010, intends to focus on electronic cigarette. The Company�� product includes American Heritage, American One, American Freedom, American Nights, American Standard and Smoking Alternative Gums and Mints.
The Company�� initial and primary line will be the American Heritage line. American One is a disposable Electronic Cigarette, good for over 500 draws, about the equivalent of over two packs of traditional cigarettes. American Freedom will be the brand name for its Nicotine-Free line of Electronic Cigarettes. American Nights will be a product line targeted to the young adult market of social smokers. Smoking Alternative products will include gums, and mints.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By James E. Brumley]
The winds of change are blowing in the cigarette arena, and though in a superficial sense it looks like the usual big tobacco names such as Reynolds American, Inc. (NYSE:RAI) or Lorillard Inc. (NYSE:LO) are positioning to retain their dominance in the new era of cigarette smoking, in reality, it's a little name like American Heritage International Inc. (OTCBB:AHII) that could end up beating the big guys at their own game.
- [By Bryan Murphy]
The latest and greatest of these new entrants is a little startup called American Heritage International Inc. (OTCBB:AHII)... a little company that could really rattle the cages of its bigger brothers.
- [By Bryan Murphy]
Every cigarette company from Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:MO) to Victory Electronic Cigarettes Corp. (OTCMKTS:ECIG) will want to take notice of this morning's news from American Heritage International Inc. (OTCBB:AHII) - the young startup's electronic cigarettes now have something else great going for them. As such, it just got a little easier for smokers to justify dumping traditional tobacco cigarettes like those made by Altria (like Marlboro) in favor of e-cigs....
Best Income Stocks For 2014: Creston PLC (CRE)
Creston Plc is a United Kingdom-based company engaged in insight and communications services. The Company operates in three divisions: Communications division, which offers clients an integrated approach to their marketing and communication strategy, offering a range of services, which include advertising, brand strategy, channel marketing, customer relationship marketing, digital marketing, direct marketing, local marketing, social media marketing and public relations; Health division, which provides an integrated communications solution to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector and offers services, which include advertising, advocacy, digital and direct marketing, public relations, issues and reputation management and medical education; Insight division, which performs a range of market research services on behalf of its clients, through both qualitative and quantitative means, using face-to-face, telephone and online data collection techniques. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Investment Biker]
Over the years, WAL has changed its loan origination strategy. Post crisis, WAL's i) loan growth has been driven by commercial real estate (CRE) and Commercial & Industrial loans (C&I), ii) Construction and development share of loans has reduced from 24% in 2005 to 7% in 1Q'2013 and iii) completely cessation of new loan origination in the residential mortgage segment.
Best Income Stocks For 2014: Community Trust Bancorp Inc.(CTBI)
Community Trust Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for Community Trust Bank, Inc. that provides various banking products and services. It accepts various deposit product that include checking accounts, regular and term savings accounts and savings certificates, commercial demand deposit accounts, individual retirement accounts and Keogh plans, non interest bearing deposits, NOW accounts, money market deposits, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit and other time deposits. The company?s loan portfolio comprises residential and commercial real estate loans; commercial loans; commercial, construction, mortgage, and personal loans; and lease-financing, lines of credit, revolving lines of credit, term loans, and other specialized loans, including asset-based financing. It also provides full service securities brokerage services; annuity and life insurance products; trust services; debit cards; cash management services to corporate and individual customers; l etters of credit; safe deposit boxes; and funds transfer services. In addition, the company acts as a trustee of personal trusts, an executor of estates, trustee for employee benefit trusts, registrar, transfer agent, paying agent for bond and stock issues; and depositor for securities, as well as provides full service brokerage services. Community Trust operates 80 banking locations in eastern, northeastern, central, and south central Kentucky; southern West Virginia; and northeastern Tennessee, as well as 5 trust offices across Kentucky. The company was founded in 1903 and is headquartered in Pikeville, Kentucky.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Dividends4Life]
Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Community Trust Bank Corp. (CTBI). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:
Company Description: Community Trust Bank Corp. owns and operates Community Trust Bank, Inc. of Pikeville, KY, which provides commercial banking services in Kentucky and West Virginia; and a trust company. - [By Dividends4Life]
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- Nucor Corporation (NUE) Dividend Stock Analysis
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- Community Trust Bank Corp. (CTBI) Dividend Stock Analysis
- Colgate-Palmolive (CL) Dividend Stock Analysis
- More Stock Analysis - [By Dividends4Life]
Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value along with these four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
1. Avg. High Yield Price
2. 20-Year DCF Price
3. Avg. P/E Price
4. Graham Number
GWW is trading at a premium to all four valuations above. The stock is trading at a 10.0% premium to its calculated fair value of $219.95. GWW did not earn any Stars in this section.
Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
1. Free Cash Flow Payout
2. Debt To Total Capital
3. Key Metrics
4. Dividend Growth Rate
5. Years of Div. Growth
6. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15%
GWW earned three Stars in this section for 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. A Star was earned since the Free Cash Flow payout ratio was less than 60% and there were no negative Free Cash Flows over the last 10 years. The stock earned a Star as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. GWW earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured.
Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15% means that dividends grew on average in excess of 15% for each consecutive 4 year period over the last 10 years (2003-2006, 2004-2007, 2005-2008, etc.) I consider this a key metric since dividends will double every 5 years if they grow by 15%. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1965 and has increased its dividend payments for 42 consecutive years.
Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA) or Treasury bond? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked - [By Dividends4Life]
Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value along with these four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
1. Avg. High Yield Price
2. 20-Year DCF Price
3. Avg. P/E Price
4. Graham Number
NUE is trading at a premium to all four valuations above. The stock is trading at a 85.8% premium to its calculated fair value of $28.51. NUE did not earn any Stars in this section.
Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
1. Free Cash Flow Payout
2. Debt To Total Capital
3. Key Metrics
4. Dividend Growth Rate
5. Years of Div. Growth
6. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15%
NUE earned one Star in this section for 2.) above. The stock earned a Star as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1973 and has increased its dividend payments for 40 consecutive years.
Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA) or Treasury bond? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:
1. NPV MMA Diff.
2. Years to > MMA
The negative NPV MMA Diff. means that on a NPV basis the dividend earnings from an investment in NUE would be less than a similar amount invested in MMA earning a 20-year average rate of 3.68%. If NUE grows its dividend at 0.7% per year, it will never equal a MMA yielding an estimated 20-year average rate of 3.68%.
Memberships and Peers: NUE is a member of the S&P 500, a Dividend Aristocrat, a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers
Best Income Stocks For 2014: Lennox International Inc (LII)
Lennox International Inc. (LII) is a provider of climate control solutions. The Company designs, manufactures and markets a range of products for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) markets. Its products and services are sold through multiple distribution channels under brand names, including Lennox, Armstrong Air, Ducane, Bohn, Larkin, Advanced Distributor Products, Service Experts and others. The Company operates in four segments: Residential Heating & Cooling, Commercial Heating & Cooling, Service Experts, and Refrigeration. On January 14, 2011, the Company acquired Kysor/Warren business from The Manitowoc Company. Kysor/Warren is a manufacturer of refrigerated systems and display cases for supermarkets throughout North America and is included in its Refrigeration Segment. In April 2012, it sold its Lennox Hearth Products business to Comvest Investment Partners IV.
Residential Heating & Cooling
The Company manufactures and markets a range of furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, packaged heating and cooling systems, and accessories. These products are available in a range of designs, and at a range of price points, and provide a range of home comfort systems. Its advanced distributor products (ADP) operation builds evaporator coils and air handlers under the Advanced Distributor Products brand, as well as the Lennox, brand. ADP sells their own ADP branded evaporator coils to HVAC distribution, comprising over 400 wholesale distributors across North America, as well as, a range of evaporator coils for Allied Air Enterprise.
The Company�� hearth products include factory-built gas, wood-burning and electric fireplaces; free standing wood-burning, pellet and gas stoves; wood-burning, pellet and gas fireplace inserts; gas logs, venting products and accessories. Its fireplaces are built with a blower or fan option. It markets its hearth products under the Lennox, Superior, Country Collection and Security Chimneys brand names.
!
The Company competes with United Technologies Corp., Goodman Global, Inc., Ingersoll-Rand plc, Paloma Co., Ltd., Johnson Controls, Inc., Daiken, Nordyne, HNI Corporation and Monessen Hearth Company.
Commercial Heating & Cooling
In North America, the Company manufactures and sells unitary heating and cooling equipment used in light commercial applications, such as low-rise office buildings, restaurants, retail centers, churches and schools. Its product offerings for these applications include rooftop units ranging from 2 to 50 tons of cooling capacity and split system/air handler combinations, which range from 1.5 to 20 tons of cooling capacity. These products are distributed through commercial contractors and directly to national account customers.
In Europe, the Company manufactures and sells unitary products, which range from 2 to 70 tons of cooling capacity, and applied systems with up to 200 tons of cooling capacity. Its European products consist of small package units, rooftop units, chillers, air handlers and fan coils, which serve medium-rise commercial buildings, shopping malls, other retail and entertainment buildings, institutional applications and other field-engineered applications. It manufactures heating and cooling products in several locations in Europe and markets these products through both direct and indirect distribution channels in Europe, Russia, Turkey and the Middle East.
The Company competes with United Technologies Corp., Ingersoll-Rand plc, Johnson Controls, Inc., AAON, Inc. and Daikin Industries, Ltd.
Service Experts
The Company sells a range of its manufactured equipment, parts and supplies, and third-party branded products. It also has Lennox National Account Services business, which is providing service and preventive maintenance to commercial national account customers. It uses a portfolio of management procedures and practices, including standards for customer service, common informa! tion tech! nology systems and financial controls, a national accounting center and an inventory management program.
The Company competes with Direct Energy, Sears and American Residential Services.
Refrigeration
The Company manufactures and markets equipment for the global commercial refrigeration markets under the Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration name. It sells these products to distributors, installing contractors, engineering design firms, original equipment manufacturers and end-users. Its commercial refrigeration products for the North American market include condensing units, unit coolers, fluid coolers, air-cooled condensers, compressor racks and air handlers. These products are sold for refrigeration applications to preserve food and other perishables, and are used by supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, refrigerated warehouses and distribution centers. As part of the sale of commercial refrigeration products, it provides application engineering for consulting engineers, contractors and others. It also sells products for non-food and various industry applications, such as telecommunications, dehumidification and medical applications.
In international markets, the Company manufactures and markets refrigeration products, including condensing units, unit coolers, air-cooled condensers, fluid coolers, compressor racks and industrial process chillers. The Company has manufacturing locations in Germany, France, Brazil and China. In Australia and New Zealand, it is a wholesale distribution business serving the refrigeration and HVAC industry. It also owns a 50% interest in a joint venture in Mexico, which produces unit coolers, air-cooled condensers, condensing units and compressor racks. It also owns an 8% stock interest in a manufacturer in Thailand, which produces compressors for use in its products and for other HVACR customers.
The Company competes with Hussman Corporation, Emerson Electric Co., United Technologies Corp., GEA Group,! Alfa Lav! al and Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Monica Gerson]
Lennox International (NYSE: LII) is projected to report its Q3 earnings at $1.28 per share on revenue of $877.87 million.
ManpowerGroup (NYSE: MAN) is expected to report its Q3 earnings at $1.08 per share on revenue of $5.08 billion.
- [By Greg Williamson]
Watsco's current P/E of 24.5 is in the same ballpark as its competitor Lennox International (NYSE: LII ) (NYSE: LII ) (NYSE: LII ) , whose P/E is 23.8. Lennox is a manufacturer of HVAC equipment and components, and will also benefit from HVAC industry tailwinds.
Best Income Stocks For 2014: Acuity Brands Inc (AYI)
Acuity Brands, Inc. (Acuity Brands), incorporated on September 20, 2007, is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. (ABL), and other subsidiaries. Acuity Brands is a provider of lighting solutions for commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications throughout North America and select international markets. The Company's lighting solutions include devices, such as luminaires, lighting controls, power supplies, prismatic skylights, light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, and integrated lighting systems for indoor and outdoor applications utilizing a combination of light sources, including daylight, and other devices controlled by software that monitors and manages light levels while optimizing energy consumption (collectively referred to herein as lighting solutions). Effective March 14, 2013, the Company acquired eldoLED Europe BV.
The Company manufactures lighting devices primarily in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company's lighting solutions are marketed under numerous brand names, including Lithonia Lighting, Holophane, Peerless, Mark Architectural Lighting, Hydrel, American Electric Lighting, Gotham, Carandini, RELOC, Antique Street Lamps, Tersen, Winona Lighting, Synergy Lighting Controls, Sensor Switch, Lighting Control & Design, Dark to Light, ROAM, Sunoptics, acculamp, Pathway Connectivity, and Healthcare Lighting. As of August 31, 2012, the Company manufactures products in 18 facilities in North America and two facilities in Europe.
Principal customers include electrical distributors, retail home improvement centers, electric utilities, municipalities, lighting showrooms, and energy service companies located in North America and select international markets serving new construction, renovation, and facility maintenance applications. In North America, the Company's lighting solutions are sold primarily by independent sales agents, electrical wholesalers, and factory sales representatives who cover specific geographic areas! and market channels. Products are delivered directly or through a network of distribution centers, regional warehouses, and commercial warehouses using both common carriers and a company-owned truck fleet. During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012 (fiscal 2012), North American sales accounted for approximately 98% of net sales. The Company has one operating segment serving the North American lighting market and select international markets.
The Company provides a range of lighting solutions, as well as services used in the applications, such as lighting solutions and services. Lighting solutions and services includes commercial and institutional, industrial, infrastructure, residential and services. Commercial and Institutional includes stores, hotels, offices, schools, and hospitals, as well as other government and public buildings. Lighting solutions that serve these applications include recessed, surface, and suspended lighting products, recessed down lighting, track lighting, day lighting, and lighting controls (occupancy sensors, photocontrols, relay panels, architectural dimming panels, and integrated lighting controls systems), as well as special-use lighting products. The outdoor areas associated with these applications are addressed by a range of outdoor lighting products, such as area and flood lighting, decorative site lighting, and landscape lighting. Industrial includes primarily warehouses and manufacturing facilities, which utilize a range of general purpose, day lighting, and special-use lighting solutions. Infrastructure includes highways, tunnels, airports, railway yards, and ports. Products that serve these applications include street, area, high-mast, off-set roadway, sign lighting, poles, and integrated controls systems. Residential includes a combination of decorative, utilitarian, and down lighting products. Services include monitoring and controlling of lighting systems through network technologies.
The Company competes with Cooper Industries plc, Hu! bbell Inc! orporated, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., OSRAM AG, Schneider Electric and General Electric Company.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Laura Brodbeck]
Wednesday
Earnings Expected: Unifirst Corporation (NYSE: UNF), Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON), Acuity Brands Inc (NYSE: AYI) Economic Releases Expected: �Chinese services PMI, Australian trade balance, US crude inventory data, eurozone PPIThursday
- [By Rich Bieglmeier]
[Related -Acuity Brands, Inc. (AYI) Q2 Earnings Preview: Red Lighting Earnings And Performance As Of Late]
Liu Chun-ting, director general for Electronics and Optoelectronics Research Laboratories (EORL) under Taiwan government-sponsored Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) projects a little stronger number, "Global LED lighting market value is estimated at US$30.5 billion for 2014 and will increase to US$51.6 billion in 2018."
Best Income Stocks For 2014: IDEXX Laboratories Inc (IDXX)
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., incorporated in 1983, develops, manufactures and distributes products and provides services primarily for the companion animal veterinary, livestock and poultry, water testing and dairy markets. The Company operates through three segments: diagnostic and information technology-based products and services for the veterinary market, which it refers to as the Companion Animal Group (CAG), water quality products (Water) and products for livestock and poultry health, which it refer to as Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics (LPD). It also operates two smaller segments that consist of products for milk quality and safety (Dairy) and products for the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market (OPTI Medical). In November 2011, the Company acquired the research and diagnostic laboratory (RADIL) business of the College of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. In August 2013, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. announced that it has acquired Madasa do Brasil Ltda.
The Company sells a range of portable electrolytes and blood gas analyzers for the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market. Its primary products and services are point-of-care veterinary diagnostic products, consisting of instruments and consumables and rapid assays; veterinary reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services used by veterinarians; diagnostic and health-monitoring products for livestock and poultry; products that test water for certain microbiological contaminants; practice management systems and services and digital radiography systems used by veterinarians; products that test milk for antibiotic residues and other contaminants, and point-of-care electrolytes and blood gas analyzers used in the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market.
Companion Animal Group
The Company markets a range of in-clinic laboratory analyzers for use in providing reference laboratory quality diagnostic results in companion animal veterinary practices, which it refers ! to as the IDEXX VetLab suite of analyzers. The Company sells two chemistry analyzers, the Catalyst Dx Chemistry Analyzer and the VetTest Chemistry Analyzer, that are used by veterinarians to measure levels of certain enzymes and other substances in blood or urine for monitoring health status and assistance in diagnosing physiologic conditions. Both instruments use consumables manufactured for IDEXX by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. (Ortho), a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, based on Ortho�� dry slide technology (Catalyst Dx slides, VetTest slides or slides). In addition, the Catalyst Dx analyzer also uses dry slide electrolyte consumables manufactured by IDEXX at OPTI Medical Systems, one of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Blood tests commonly run on these analyzers include glucose, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and total protein. Tests are sold individually and in prepackaged panels. Both analyzers also run a urine test called urine protein:creatinine ratio, which assists in the detection of early renal disease.
The Catalyst Dx analyzer is the Company�� chemistry analyzer. The Catalyst Dx analyzer allows a veterinarian to run multiple patient samples simultaneously; to run different sample types, including whole blood, plasma, serum and urine; to perform 28 different chemistry and electrolyte tests; and to automatically calculate other parameters and ratios important to blood chemistry analysis. Its VetLyte Electrolyte Analyzer measures three electrolytes-sodium, potassium and chloride-to aid in evaluating acid-base and electrolyte balances and assessing plasma hydration. Its VetStat Electrolyte and Blood Gas Analyzer measures electrolytes, blood gases, glucose and ionized calcium, and calculates other parameters, such as base excess and anion gap. These measurements aid veterinarians in diagnosing various disease states, evaluating fluid therapy choices and measuring respiratory function. The VetStat analyzer ru! ns single! -use disposable cassettes that contain various configurations of analytes. The VetStat analyzer and its cassettes are manufactured by OPTI Medical Systems.
The Company sells three hematology analyzers that assess the cellular components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (also called a complete blood count (CBC)). These analyzers include the ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer, which uses laser-flow cytometry, optical fluorescence and laminar-flow impedance in its analysis; the LaserCyte Hematology Analyzer, which uses laser-flow cytometry technology in its analysis, and the IDEXX VetAutoread Hematology Analyzer. It also sells the Coag Dx Analyzer, which permits the detection and diagnosis of blood clotting disorders. The ProCyte Dx analyzer provides validated results for five species (canine, feline, equine, bovine and ferret) for up to 24 different blood parameters, providing a more complete picture of each patient�� health.
The SNAPshot Dx analyzer provides quantitative measurements of total thyroxine (T4), cortisol and bile acids to assist in the evaluation of thyroid, adrenal and liver function. The SNAPshot Dx analyzer also reads, interprets and records the results of many IDEXX rapid assay SNAP tests, including its canine SNAP 4Dx test, feline SNAP FIV/FeLV Combo test, canine SNAP cPL test, feline SNAP fPL test, SNAP Feline Triple test and canine SNAP Heartworm RT test. The IDEXX VetLab UA Analyzer provides chemical urinalysis and is validated specifically for veterinary use. The IDEXX VetLab Station (IVLS) connects and integrates the diagnostic information from all the IDEXX VetLab equipment and thus provides reference laboratory information management system capability. It sells the IVLS as an integral component of the Catalyst Dx, LaserCyte and ProCyte Dx analyzers and also as a standalone hardware platform.
The IVLS includes a user interface to input patient information, connect with a practice management system and send i! nformatio! n to run the individual analyzers. IVLS also generates one integrated patient report incorporating all of the lab work generated by the IDEXX VetLab suite; stores, retrieves and analyzes historical patient diagnostics data, including SNAP test results; and sends and receives information from practice management systems, including the IDEXX Cornerstone system, as well as a variety of third-party systems. It sells a range of single-use, handheld test kits under the SNAP name. In addition to its single-use tests, it sells a range of microwell-based test kits under the PetChek name for canine heartworm, FIV and FeLV.
The Company offers commercial reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services to veterinarians in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, South Africa, China and South Korea and to bioresearch customers in the United States and Europe. The Company provides specialized veterinary consultation, telemedicine and advisory services, including radiology, cardiology, internal medicine and ultrasound consulting. It develops, markets and sells practice management systems, including hardware and software, and services that run certain functions of veterinary clinics, including managing patient electronic health records, scheduling (including boarding and grooming), reminders, billing and inventory management.
The Company markets and sells two digital radiography systems for use in the small animal veterinary hospital: the IDEXX-DR 1417 and the IDEXX I-Vision CR. Its digital radiography systems use IDEXX-PACS and IDEXX EquiView PACS picture archiving and communication system (PACS) software for the viewing, manipulation, management, storage and retrieval of the digital images generated by the digital capture plate. In September 2011, the Company launched IDEXX I-Vision Mobile, an application that allows veterinarians with the IDEXX-DR 1417 and IDEXX I-Vision CR systems, as well as its digital radiography systems, to request, view and send images using an iPa! d or an A! ndroid mobile tablet. This application integrates with its IDEXX-PACS software.
Water
The Company offers a range of products used in the detection and quantification of various microbiological parameters in water. Its principal products are the Colilert, Colilert-18 and Colisure tests, which simultaneously detect the presence of total coliforms and E. coli in water. These organisms are used as indicators of microbial contamination in water. These products utilize indicator-nutrients that produce a change in color or fluorescence when metabolized by target microbes in the sample. Its water tests are used by government laboratories, water utilities and private certified laboratories to test drinking water. The tests also are used in evaluating water used in production processes (for example, in beverage and pharmaceutical applications) and in evaluating bottled water, recreational water, waste water and water from private wells.
Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics
The Company sells diagnostic tests and related instrumentation that are used to detect a range of diseases and to monitor health status in livestock and poultry. Its livestock and poultry diagnostic products are purchased by government and private laboratories that provide testing services to cattle, swine and poultry veterinarians and producers. Its principal products include tests for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease). BVDV is a common and contagious viral infection that suppresses the immune system, making the animal susceptible to a host of other infections, impacting beef and dairy production yields as a result. PRRS is a contagious virus causing reproductive problems and respiratory diseases. BSE is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in cattle that causes a spongy degeneration in the brain and spinal cord.
Other
The principal products in the Company�! � Dairy ! business are its SNAP tests used to detect antibiotic drug-residue in milk. Its primary product line for detecting antibiotic residue in milk is SNAP Beta-Lactam, which detects penicillin, amoxicillin, ceftiofur and cephaphirin residues, followed by SNAPduo Beta-Tetra, which detects certain tetracycline antibiotic residues in addition to those detected by the SNAP Beta Lactam test kits. It also sells SNAP tests for the detection of certain other contaminants in milk, such as chemical melamine and Alfatoxin M1.
The Company sells OPTI point-of-care analyzers and related consumables for use in human medical hospitals and clinics to measure electrolytes, blood gases, acid-base balance, glucose, lactate, BUN and ionized calcium, and to calculate other parameters, such as base excess and anion gap. These analyzers are used primarily in emergency rooms, operating rooms, cardiac monitoring areas and other locations where time-critical diagnostic testing is performed within the hospital setting. The OPTI CCA and OPTI Touch Electrolyte and Blood Gas Analyzers run single-use disposable cassettes that contain various configurations of analytes; the OPTI R Analyzer runs reusable cassettes in various analyte configurations; and the OPTI LION Stat Electrolyte Analyzer runs single-use electrolyte cassettes. OPTI Medical Systems also manufactures its VetStat analyzer and provides the electrolyte module and dry slide reagents that make up the electrolyte testing functionality of the Catalyst Dx analyzer.
The Company competes with VCA Antech, Inc., Abaxis, Inc., Butler, Radiometer A/S, Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics, Instrumentation Laboratory, Abbott Diagnostics and Roche Diagnostics.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By CanadianValue]
Idexx (IDXX) performed well in 2011, generating solid revenue growth and high-teens earnings growth thanks to a slight recovery in the veterinary end market, the ramp up of its new ProCyte hematology instrument, continued share gains in reference laboratories and one-time gains from production animal disease eradication programs in Europe. While we continue to like the company�� prospects and are impressed with its execution in a still sluggish market for animal healthcare, we trimmed our position in 2011 at prices we found attractive given our expectations for the business.
Best Income Stocks For 2014: Shanda Games Ltd (GAME)
Shanda Games Limited (Shanda Games), incorporated on June 12, 2008, is engaged in the development and operation of online games and related businesses in the People�� Republic of China. Some of its online games are also Web games, which the Company categorizes as either massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) or advanced casual games, rather than as a separate category of online games. As of February 29, 2012, Shanda Games operated 35 online games. Its game player base, which consisted of 20.4 million average monthly active users and 4.5 million average monthly paying users for the three-month period ended December 31, 2011. In April 2011, the Company acquired a 51.85% interest in a game operating company, which provides services in East Asia.
As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned 149 software copyrights. As of December 31, 2011, it owned or licensed 53 trademarks. As of December 31, 2011, it owned or licensed 329 registered domain names, including its official Website and domain names registered in connection with each of the games the Company offers. As of December 31, 2011, it had 17 patent applications pending with the State Intellectual Property Office of China. The Company operates MMORPGs, advanced casual games and Web games in China. Its MMORPGs are action adventure-based and draw upon themes, such as martial arts adventure, fantasy, strategy and historical events. The Company develops and sources an array of game content through multiple channels, including in-house development, licensing, investment and acquisition, and joint operation. Through these channels, it has built a diversified game portfolio and a game pipeline.
The Company licenses games from international and domestic developers. As of February 29, 2012, 13 of its 35 online games were licensed from third-party developers, including Mir II. It invests in independent game development and operating studios identified by 18 Capital. The Company acquire intellectual property rights t! o online games; equity rights in online game development and operating studios, or an option to acquire equity interests in online game development and operating studios in the future.
The Company operates its business in People's Republic of China, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, which consist of Shengqu Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Shengqu), Shengji Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Shengji), Lansha Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Lansha) and Kuyin Software (Shanghai) Co., Ltd (Kuyin); its variable interest entities and their subsidiaries (VIEs), which consist of Shanghai Hongli Digital Technology Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Hongli) and Shanghai Shulong Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Shanghai Shulong) and their wholly owned subsidiaries, Shanghai Shulong Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (Shulong Computer), Nanjing Shulong Computer Technology Co., Ltd. (Nanjing Shulong), Chengdu Youji Technology Co., Ltd. (Chengdu Youji), Tianjin Youji Technology Co., Ltd. (Tianjin Youji), Chengdu Aurora Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Chengdu Aurora), and Chengdu Simo Technology Co., Ltd. (Chengdu Simo).
The Company competes with Tencent Holdings Limited, NetEase.com, Changyou.com Limited, Perfect World Co., Ltd., Giant Interactive, Kingsoft Corporation Limited, KongZhong Corporation, NetDragon Websoft Inc., Nineyou International Limited, The9 Limited, Activision Blizzard, Inc., Electronic Arts Inc., Zynga Inc., NCSoft Corporation, and Nexon Corporation.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Eric Volkman]
Shanda Games� (NASDAQ: GAME ) saw a decline in bottom line for its Q3, but still beat analyst estimates. The China-based company posted revenue of 1.12 billion yuan�($183 million), modestly higher than the 1.09 billion yuan�($178 million)�in the same period the previous year. Attributable net income came in at just under 399 million yuan ($65 million;�$0.24 per diluted American depositary share), compared with Q3 2012's 405 million yuan ($66 million;�$0.24).
- [By Kevin Chen]
On the heels of a resignation, Shanda Games� (NASDAQ: GAME ) has appointed a new member to its board of directors.
The company announced Wednesday that due to personal reasons, Guoxing Jiang had resigned from his spot on the board and also the Audit Committee. Replacing him will be Yong Gui. In the company's press release, Chairman Tianqiao Chen said of the new choice:
- [By Kevin Chen]
Two companies that seem on an unstoppable path of profits are Giant Interactive� (NYSE: GA ) and NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES ) .�Meanwhile, Shanda Games� (NASDAQ: GAME ) and Perfect World� (NASDAQ: PWRD ) haven't done as well.
- [By Lauren Pollock]
Shanda Games Ltd.'s(GAME) third-quarter earnings fell 1.6% despite growth in the game developer’s revenue driven by its mobile-game segment. Morgan Stanley(MS) analysts aren’t impressed with the company’s PC game pipeline, while sales of its top PC games dropped in the latest period. Shares declined 5.1% to $3.90 premarket.
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